Berkshire theatre campaign nears funding goal

A group trying to buy a run-down theatre from a local authority is nearing its fundraising target.

The BBC reports the Save Novello Picture House campaign has raised £250,000 so far, including a £100,000 anonymous donation. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) gave the group until the end of October to raise £300,000 to buy the venue in the village of Sunninghill.

A  spokesperson for Save Novello Picture House said it is also in talks with actor Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is from nearby Reading, about the campaign and its future plans for the theatre.

Campaign Co-ordinator Alan Everett said local donors had provided vital support."It is thanks to this solid foundation that we are confident we will meet RBWM’s asking price of £300,000," he said.

"We also spent a productive hour on the phone with the ever-helpful Sir Kenneth Branagh who offered guidance that accelerated the next steps of our campaign and will further hone down the future vision and offering of the Novello."